“Don’t compare yourself to others and don’t underestimate the planning processes we learnt at TAFE.”

– HOLLY NABBS

Since graduating, I am now pursuing a career in making dentures!

How did you get your first job or solo exhibition?

Through opportunities offered at TAFE. My lecturers also had contacts in the industry which helped me get my first proper job. What I had learnt in my 5 years of art studies was how useful my arts education is in a wide range of fields of work that I never considered. I have a folder with all my quality drawings as a portfolio to show an understanding of elements and principles of design which helped me stand out from others and secure a role for a dental laboratory making dental prosthetics.

What advice would you give to current Art & Design students studying at NM TAFE right now?

Don’t compare yourself to others and stay proactive. There are opportunities out there even if you get knocked down 100 times.

What can Perth and Western Australia do to support graduating diverse range of Art & Design students more?

Jewellery tools are very expensive and it was difficult to set myself up for TAFE. When I studied a cert 4 in jewellery we were required to buy our own torch tips, files, saw frames and of course silver. It was very expensive to get started. I believe not everyone would be able to study Jewellery because of this.

I also believe in the visual art courses it would be great if the lecturers were able to recommend jobs or even volunteer opportunities in the creative fields. I got my first job through one of my jewellery lecturers and it was a great experience that got me into the industry.

What do you think are the most important qualities in an emerging designer or artist?

Don’t compare yourself to others and don’t underestimate the planning processes we learnt at TAFE.

All works below Copyright © 2025 Holly Nabbs